Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a major step towards addressing the country’s housing crisis, the Sri Lankan government handed over 1,000 newly built homes to low-income families as part of its World Habitat Day celebrations. The symbolic ceremony took place at Temple Trees in Colombo, in the presence of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The event marked the beginning of a larger national initiative to provide housing for at least 4,000 families across the country who are unable to build homes due to financial hardship. The program is being carried out by the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and uses digital construction technology to speed up the building process while maintaining quality and affordability.
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Each selected family received a home, along with financial support valued at one million rupees (around USD 3,300). The President personally delivered a symbolic payment to a group of recipients, as well as 357 land deeds, providing these families with legal ownership and future stability. World Habitat Day, observed worldwide in October, is a United Nations initiative that encourages reflection on housing concerns and the need for shelter as a fundamental human right. This year’s theme, “A Place to Belong – A Beautiful Life,” sparked a week of national activities this week, focused on promoting safe, inclusive, and sustainable living environments.
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Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing Anura Karunathilaka emphasized the government’s commitment to improving housing for all Sri Lankans. He stated that the current administration has implemented a long-term housing policy to ensure that all citizens live in safe, comfortable, and dignified conditions. He also underlined the importance of initiating a broader discussion about housing in society and advocating for reasonable urban development. Harshini Halangoda, Head of the UN-Habitat Programme in Sri Lanka, also delivered a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the event. The message underlined the global need for adequate housing while also acknowledging local efforts to satisfy the housing needs of disadvantaged groups.
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In addition to the housing handovers, the Ambatale Water Supply Project was officially presented to President Dissanayake during the event. The Government of India and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) are working together on this critical infrastructure project, which aims to provide clean, reliable water to thousands of people. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando; Deputy Minister of Housing T. B. Sarath; Western Province Governor Haniff Yusuf; Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazar; and Indian High Commission representative Navya Singla. Senior government officials and heads of key housing and urban development bodies were also present.
As part of the week’s activities, the NHDA also organized its annual school art exhibition, showcasing the creativity of young minds under the theme “My Beautiful Little Home.” Held at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium, the exhibition featured artwork submitted by over 4,500 students from around the country. President Dissanayake attended a special ceremony to commemorate the winning entries. The winners were awarded trophies, certificates, and monetary rewards. The show will continue at the National Library Auditorium for a week, allowing guests to see artistic interpretations of home and belongings from the perspective of children. These projects demonstrate the government’s commitment to long-term housing development and its view that every Sri Lankan should have a place to call home.
